Getting a Teaching Job in Hawaii
question
I’m considering moving to Hawaii to teach. Do you know what areas have a high need for teachers? Do you know of any particularly good districts? Ones to avoid? Or, do you know of any online resources with this kind of information? Thanks for any help you can offer.
answer
Well, I’m actually supremely unqualified to answer this question. I really know nothing about teaching in Hawaii, as I didn’t grow up here and my son is currently homeschooled. I will look around though and see what I can find. As for good districts and ones to avoid - I’m not sure what the qualifiers would be. There are what I would consider ‘more dangerous’ districts to jump right into - knowing nothing about them and the people who live there, in general in Hawaii, especially for a ‘fresh off the boat’ haole (white person) (if that’s what you are). One is Pahoa on the Big Island and another is Waianae on Oahu.
According to the Hawaii Department of Education teachers are most in need on the neighbor islands and outside of Honolulu on Oahu. The DOE also apparently does consistent recruiting to the mainland to try to bring teachers here. So it would seem that this would be your first line of attack - contact the DOE and see what they can do for you.
Your e-mail addy seems to indicate you currently work at a christian school. You can find a pretty good listing of Hawaii Christian Schools here. I have friends who go to Christian Liberty in Keaau. It’s a growing school and they like it.
Just as a side note, I have a good friend who moved here about two years ago because her husband was going to teach here. I know nothing about his skills as a teacher but I do know that he was a very kind and smart man. They moved back to the mainland a couple of months ago because he was unable to keep a teaching job, according to him. She said he had a job in the public school system and was pushed out of it because of some sort of discrimination. I have never experienced this discrimination myself, and neither has my husband when it comes to jobs here in Hilo, but I have heard a lot of people talk about it, especially recently. My husband and I moved here in 1995 and I don’t think the issues were as strong then, but recently mainlanders have been moving here in droves and driving up the cost of housing and sometimes making locals angry. Just something to be aware of. People moving here are not always welcomed with open arms by everyone.
If you moved near me, I’d welcome you, or anyone though! 
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My name is Lisa. I live on the Big Island. My family and I travel around the islands as much as we can. Drop me a line if you want to ask me a question about Hawaii or the site.
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Where Should We Stay On Oahu - Hawaii? Best Vacation Rental to Stay In On Oahu?
Filed under: Hawaii - general, Oahu, Oahu Rentals, Vacation Planning
We’re coming over late november this year( 2 couples for the 1st time) & not quite sure what part of Oahu to stay at ( Looking at Condos or house rentals). We are surfers (Longboarders) but the girls will want to spend some time sight-seeing, shopping etc. Bearing in mind the time of year, where would you suggest to stay that would be close to beaches - not too far from shops. We’re not fussed with huge crowds. Looking forward to your response. Kind regards.
Hi! Well, the waves on Oahu are big on the North Shore in November - are you looking for BIG waves? There is only one hotel-condoon the North shore - that’s the Turtle Bay Resort. Other than that, there are hundreds of house rentals - in some really nice areas.
… however, the shops are mostly in Waikiki, which is on the south shore. the island is not big - if you stay out of traffic you can go from one to the other in an hour or less. Traffic is bad commuters hours INTO Honolulu in the morning and out of honolulu in the afternoon. You could stay at the halfway point of Kailua maybe .. but I think you would be happier either on the North Shore or in Waikiki.
Hi Lisa. I am currently looking at home rentals for the week on Oahu. I have found homes at Waimanalo, Haleiwa and Makaha that looked good but I have no clue what might be best for our family. What is the best side of the island to stay on? We have 2 children, age 17 & 12. My daughter will be interested in soaking up the sun and my son will be interested in boogie boarding, swimming, etc. My husband and I are interested in a relaxing and seeing the sights! I know we can easily drive to any location we want to see but where would be the best location to STAY?
answer
In your situation, I would stay in Waimanalo. You’ll be right in the middle of the other two places, close to everything, and both of your kids will be happy. Plus, Waimanalo is really a great beach. You can’t really go wrong outside of Waikiki, but Waimanalo is probably the most right out of the three you mentioned. Have a great time! Lisa